An Examination of Self-Administered Modes in the NCVS

• In Event: Methodological Research to Support the National Crime Victimization Survey, 2008-2013

Abstract

As a part of its Redesign Research program for the NCVS, BJS sponsored the Survey of Crime Victimization (SCV) to explore survey methods that would lower the cost per case for completed NCVS interviews while maintaining data quality and precision of survey estimates. The SCV field test was designed to evaluate whether traditionally lower cost, self-administered survey modes, in combination with incentives, could be used as complements to the NCVS’ interviewer-based data collection methods. The multi-wave, mixed-mode design allowed for an evaluation of self-administered survey methods, specifically inbound CATI and Web, which have the potential to increase survey participation while maintaining affordable costs and quality. The study also tested whether nominal incentives would increase subsequent survey participation when self-administration modes are used. The SCV provided an opportunity to examine the effect of incentives on initial Wave 1 contact efforts as well as a follow-up measure to test the effects of the Wave 1 contacts and incentives on Wave 2 survey participation. This paper compares response rates, survey costs, data quality measures, and interview timing data by survey mode and incentive status. We highlight key findings and discuss the implications for the NCVS.

Authors

• Susan Kinsey, RTI International

• Bonnie Shook-Sa, RTI International

• Emilia Peytcheva, RTI International

• Suzanne Triplett, RTI International